Former M-1 Challenge and Bellator MMA heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov has stated that he is finally where he wants to be since joining the UFC in November last year and has claimed it will be “the last step of (his) career”.
Talking to MMADNA.NL ahead of his main event bout with fan favourite Stefan Struve at UFC Rotterdam on Saturday night, the Russian also spoke about the unusual experience of preparing for a taller opponent. To help prepare for Struve’s size, Volkov brought in ex-UFC, PRIDE and K-1 legend Semmy Schilt to his training camp, with “Hightower’s” 88-inch reach most closely mirroring the 84.5-inch reach of the Dutchman.
Since arriving in the UFC, “Drago” has enjoyed success in both of his bouts so far, earning decision victories over established names in Timothy Johnson and the recently departed Roy Nelson, who has since signed with Bellator.
